15-Minute Tuscan Tomato Mozzarella Salad
A vibrant Italian-inspired salad featuring sweet heirloom grape tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella balls, and briny black olives tossed in aromatic fresh herbs and olive oil. The combination of minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and fresh basil creates an authentic Tuscan flavor profile, while red pepper flakes add a gentle heat. Perfect as a light lunch, appetizer, or side dish for summer gatherings. The salad benefits from marinating time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Ingredients
- 12 oz heirloom grape tomatoes, packagecherry tomatoes1:1
similar size and sweetness
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, packagecubed fresh mozzarella1:1
same cheese, different shape
- 6 oz extra large black olives, can
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
- ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
- ½ teaspoon fresh oregano, minced
- 3 large basil leaves, rolled and sliced thinly
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1
Rinse, drain and slice tomatoes
- 2
Drain sliced tomatoes in a colander over a bowl to remove most of the liquid
- 3
Drain and rinse the mozzarella balls
- 4
Drain and rinse the black olives
- 5
Place the mozzarella, tomatoes and black olives in a bowl
- 6
Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and toss gently
- 7
Marinade in the refrigerator before serving
- 8
Grate some fresh parmesan cheese over the bowl when serving
Tips
Drain tomatoes well after slicing to prevent the salad from becoming watery and to concentrate their flavor.
Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the herbs infuse the ingredients.
Grate the parmesan fresh just before serving for the best texture and flavor impact.
Good to Know
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Drain excess liquid before serving leftovers.
Can be prepared up to 1 day ahead. Best served within 24 hours for optimal texture.
Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish, appetizer, or light lunch.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining the tomatoes to avoid a watery salad
Avoid over-mixing to prevent breaking the mozzarella balls
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
same cheese, different shape
FAQ
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs. Fresh herbs provide better flavor and appearance for this salad.
How long can this salad be stored?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The texture is best within 24 hours of preparation.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, cucumber, bell peppers, or red onion work well. Add them just before serving to maintain their crunch.